IMPORTANT INFORMATION (FROM THE US DEPARTMENT OF STATE) ON EXECUTIVE ORDER - PROTECTING THE NATION FROM TERRORIST ENTRY INTO THE UNITED STATES - 6 MARCH 2017

"On March 6, 2017, President Trump signed a new Executive Order on Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States which directs us to review current screening procedures, while protecting national security – our top priority when issuing visas. The Executive Order has an effective date of March 16, 2017.

We are working closely with the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice to review the Executive Order to ensure that we implement it in accordance with its terms, in an orderly fashion, consistent with any applicable court orders, and without compromising national security.

The Executive Order becomes effective March 16, 2017, allowing ten days for making operational adjustments and implementing its provisions. We will keep the public informed about changes affecting travelers to the United States.

The Executive Order states that no visa issued before its effective date will be revoked pursuant to this order. At this time, U.S. embassies and consulates will continue to process visa applications while applying all appropriate screening measures, as they have been."

US DEPARTMENT OF STATE INCLUDES ASSAULT IN CRIMES OF MORAL TURPITUDE - 22 March 2016

The Department of State has changed its policy as it relates to Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (ABH). This offence was not previously held to involve "moral turpitude" and, as such, would not lead to inadmissibility to the United States. This change in policy means that this offence, under certain circumstances, may lead to inadmissibility to the US and ineligibility for a US visa.

Anyone cautioned or convicted for this offence, even if granted a visa or admitted to the US in the past, should seek legal advice to determine their eligibility to travel (or continue travelling) to the United States.

GLOBAL ENTRY PROGRAM NOW AVAILABLE TO BRITISH CITIZENS - 3 November 2015

The U.S. Ambassador to the Court of St. James’s (UK) announced on Tuesday the 3rd of November 2015 to an intimate audience at the World Travel Market in London that the Global Entry Program will be available to British citizens beginning on the 3rd of December 2015. Ambassador Matthew Barzun was joined by the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Gil Kerlikowske and the Director General of UK Border Force Sir Charles Montgomery in making the announcement. Global Entry allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at most U.S. airports and are not subject to personal screening by Customs and Border Protection Agents. Enrolment in the program costs $100 (currently ￡42) and is valid for a period of five years. Enrolment applications are available at https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/main/goes and require an in-person interview by Customs and Border Protection at a U.S. airport or designated enrolment centre in the U.S.

Daniel Parisi was among those invited to attend the Ambassador’s announcement and he or Amanda Brill would be happy to answer questions about eligibility for the program and retirements for admission to the U.S. in general.

Daniel Parisi with US Ambassador, Matthew Barzun at the Global Entry Announcement - 3 November 2015